Application of Simulation Modelling for Waste Assessment: A Case Study of Bricklaying Process

Abstract

Construction waste is a serious challenge that requires particular attention from construction managers to improve the performance of their projects and survive in a highly competitive market. Simulation modeling provides decision-makers with a controllable operating system and a more cost-effective environment which allows a better understanding of construction processes deficiencies. The current paper aims to assess waste in a bricklaying process using ARENA. Data used for simulation modelling were collected through field observations and video recording techniques. Using EasyFit, goodness-of-fit tests were performed to identify the best probabilistic density functions for each construction operation in the studied process. Simulation outputs show that non-value-added (NVA) activities dominate the bricklaying process with 85.2 % of the total cycle time. These results indicate a strong potential for optimizing the process under study by reducing these sources of waste especially regarding waiting time that holds the highest share of waste with 72.5 %.